Johor bahru: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has opened two investigation papers against a transport company following a bus driver strike at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) in Johor Bahru on Sunday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry stated that initial findings by the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) have discovered that the strike is related to unresolved worker grievances, including unexplained salary deductions, the abrupt removal of special duty allowances, and unpaid overtime claims.

The ministry further explained that many drivers were hesitant to file formal complaints due to fear of retaliation. To prevent recurrence, JTKSM conducted early-morning checks at the premises and confirmed that no further disruptions were observed.

KESUMA also disclosed that the company had previously breached the Employment (Overtime) Regulations 1980 by recording over 104 hours of overtime in a single month during operations conducted on July 17.

The same operation involved KESUMA inspecting 32 companies, leading to 34 investigation papers, with 30 cases under the Employment Act 1955 and four under the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodation and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).

The ministry reminded employers to adhere to all provisions of the Employment Act, especially regarding lawful salary deductions. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to RM50,000 per offence.

It was noted that Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has mandated strict enforcement without compromise against companies that fail to comply with labour laws.

Workers experiencing issues such as wage deductions, unpaid overtime, or mistreatment are encouraged to file complaints with JTKSM via the hotline at 03-8886 5192/5937 or email [email protected].